An electrical transformer exploded and burned Jan. 6, 2014, near the Time-Life Building in Midtown Manhattan. No injuries or loss of power were reported / Robert Deutsch USAT

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

Melting snow and road salt caused an underground transformer to explode and burn in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, sending pedestrians scattering and prompting the evacuation of about 1,500 people from a 26-story high rise, New York City authorities said.

No injuries were reported, and power was not interrupted to the area.

Black smoke billowed after the transformer blew up just after 2 p.m. ET near the Time-Life Building, on West 51st Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, according to news reports.

Buildings were shaken by loud explosions, according to videos shot by witnesses.

The New York Fire Department reported the fire under control at 4:30 p.m.